Every great journey begins with a first step, and the visionaries who built the UIL recognized that the first steps toward educational excellence must begin early. Academic competition for younger students was a part of the UIL program almost from the beginning, with the first junior division Declamation contest for students aged 10-14 in 1913. The first competition for students under age 10 was Spelling, which began a sub-junior division in 1921.
The program of academic competition for elementary, middle school and junior high officially became "A+ Academics" in 2008. A+ Academics includes 20 different events for grades 2-8. These events span the curriculum - they are designed to complement and expand upon what students learn in the classroom, both through learning specific subject knowledge, and through learning skills that are valuable in many disciplines. Approximately 3,000 Texas schools participate in A+ Academics, competing in more than 400 district meets each year.
A+ Academics is available to UIL member campuses, and programs are created and organized locally. Campuses align themselves into competing districts with a district competition being the culminating event.
Updates and Frequently Requested Information
- A+ Social Studies outlines for 25-26 are posted
- A+ Art List for 25-26 and 26-27 is posted
- A+ Spelling Booklet for 25-26 is posted
- A+ Music Memory List for 25-26 is posted
- A+ Modern Oratory topics for 25-26 are posted
- UIL A+ Academics and TEKS Correlations
- A+ Frequently Asked Questions
- A+ One-Act Play for Junior High - Handbook and Information
- Visit the A+ Chess Puzzle page for study and practice resources.
A+ Resources to Share
Click HERE to email any contest or practice A+ material that you would like to share with A+ UIL coaches and coordinators. Shared materials are available here.
A+ Academics News & Updates
UIL A+ Theatrical Design Pilot
Is your campus interested in participating in A+ Theatrical Design Pilot? If so, let us know here. Information about the event is found here.
Mesquite ISD’s A+ Promotional Video
Check out this amazing promotional video highlighting all the exciting A+ opportunities at Mesquite ISD
A+ Middle School Debate
Do you have students interested in learning debate? If so, the UIL high school debate page has resources to help provide CX Debate to your middle school students!
Congratulations to B.L. Gray Junior High School UIL Students in Sharyland ISD!
Congratulations to these students, academic coaches, and administration for their great accomplishment at their district competition!
A+ District Meet Materials
Print Materials: If you are receiving print materials and are hosting in the first few days of December, your materials are being shipped to arrive before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Digital Materias: If you are receiving digital files and are hosting in December, you will receive those files on Monday morning.
A+ campus RegistratION
2025-2026
Each A+ participating school must register with the UIL state office each year. A+ Handbooks will be emailed to registered coordinators starting in August.
A+ DISTRICT MEET ORDER FORM
2025-2026
If you are hosting a district meet, submit this form to register your meet with our office and to request your meet materials.